Gio Bernard is the most complete RB among fellow rookies

1. Sheldon Richardson (Jets, DE) – How good is Richardson? He was talented enough coming out of Missouri to be considered a potential Top 10 selection. He was eventually drafted 13th overall by the Jets. Richardson feels the Chiefs would select him No. 1 overall if the draft were held today.

“Probably No. 1, most likely. Kansas City? Yeah. I went into the draft thinking I’d be the No. 1 pick. I had a shot.”

It’s hard to argue with Richardson’s claim. Even after one of his least productive games against the Raiders, his 66 total tackles are still third among all NFL defensive linemen. The “eye in the sky doesn’t lie”, and it tells us Richardson has been the top rookie performer all season.Previous: Same

Rex Ryan on why he believes Sheldon Richardson should be rookie of the year: "The tape doesn't lie." #nyj

2. Star Lotulelei (Panthers, DT) – Lotulelei picked up one of the best nicknames in football the past few weeks. “Death Star” Lotulelei certainly embodies “planet theory.” There are only so many men on this planet as big, strong, athletic and talented as Lotulelei. Samer Kalef of DeadSpin.com already placed Lotulelei in elite company.

“Though he’s still in a rotation at his position, Lotulelei doesn’t look like a rookie when he’s on the field. Listed at six-foot-two and 315 pounds, Lotulelei is built like a 4-3 nose tackle, but he plays like a much heavier 3-4 nose tackle. Think Jets nose tackle Damon Harrison if he moved around like Warren Sapp.”

Despite the praise, Lotulelei hasn’t done enough to eclipse Richardson in these rankings. The Saints dominated the Panthers Sunday. Lotulelei wasn’t able to collapse the pocket on QB Drew Brees. And he finished two tackles.Previous: Same

3. Kiko Alonso (Bills, LB) – Alonso is easily the most popular rookie this season. He also has been the most productive. His 131 total tackles is second to only Vontaze Burfict’s 139.

Alonso was a runaway favorite to win Defensive Rookie of the Year the first half of the season. The difference is he isn’t making the same impact plays he did earlier in the season. Alonso has four interceptions. His last came Week 4 against the Ravens. He also has five deflected passes. Only one of those came after the Ravens’ game. As a result, Alonso hasn’t been able to climb up the rookie rankings.Previous: Same

Marrone on Kiko Alonso: "As a rookie he's more in time with his body than anyone I've been around" #pro

4. Larry Warford (Lions, OG) – As a unit, the Lions’ offense is second in the NFL at 409.6 yards per game. QB Matthew Stafford has thrown the ball 525 times this season. He’s only been sacked 15 times. Denver Broncos QB Peyton Manning is the only player in the league to have attempted more passes while being sacked the same amount or less. The Lions are also averaging 11.7 more rushing yards this season compared to last.

Warford isn’t the entire reason for the stellar play by the Lions’ offensive line, but he has done a tremendous job solidifying the unit and making a strong claim as the NFLs’ top offensive rookie.Previous: Same

+19.1 grade, 2nd-highest of any RG in the league. Should be a OROY candidate. RT @BdukeKing what about larry warford

5. Keenan Allen (Chargers, WR) – Allen was an afterthought on the Chargers’ roster until Week 4 of the season. He’s since racked up 872 receiving yards over the course of 10 weeks. His 902 receiving yards is tops among rookies and good for 20th in the NFL.

Allen’s performance against the Giants was slowed when he suffered a sprained shoulder in the first quarter. Yet, Allen was still capable of making a pair of touchdown receptions.

Both Allen and the Chargers will look to avenge the team’s Week 9 loss to the Broncos tonight. Allen’s 41 yards against the Broncos was his lowest total the past 10 games.Previous: No. 6

Keenan Allen is averaging more receiving yards in his last 10 games than D. Thomas, B. Marshall, D. Bryant, V. Jackson and D. Jackson.

6. Eddie Lacy (Packers, RB) – The Packers managed a 22-21 victory against the Falcons Sunday, and Lacy was able to grind out 65 yards on 20 carries. He also contributed the opening scoring with a one-yard touchdown plunge.

It’s been a rough few weeks for Lacy without Packers QB Aaron Rodgers in the lineup. He cracked 100 yards and four yards per carry only once the past five weeks. Yet, Lacy is still the league’s leading rookie rusher and ninth in the NFL with 887 yards.

Despite being slowed as of late, Lacy continues to develop into one of the NFL’s top runners.Previous: No. 8

7. Gio Bernard (Bengals, RB) – Bernard is one of the NFL’s most exciting rookies, but the Bengals limit his repetitions. Thus, Bernard’s production hasn’t been as impressive as Lacy’s.

Bernard was unleashed against the Colts. The running back finished with a career-high 148 total yards. He was one yard short of reaching the 100-yard plateau. He averaged 9.25 yards every time he touched the football.

When the Bengals drafted Giovani Bernard, they did so with the intention of having him be part of a running back tandem with BenJarvus Green-Ellis. So far, they have stuck to that plan. But don’t be surprised if the rookie gets more action as time goes on and eventually becomes a featured back.

Previous: Unranked

8. Kenny Vaccaro (Saints, S) – Vaccarro’s numbers won’t jump off the page. He has 71 total tackles, which is good for 22nd among safeties. He has one interception and six defended passes.

What Vaccaro brings to a much-improved Saints defense is versatility. Vaccaro isn’t just a safety. He can play in the box. He can play deep third. He can cover the slot. He can blitz. He allows Saints defensive coordinator Rob Ryan to do more things on defense, because Ryan isn’t afraid to leave Vaccaro without any help.Previous: Unranked

S. Kenny Vaccaro is the most gifted DB. to ever play for Saints. Versatility, toughness, coverage skills & football IQ are off the charts.

9. Ziggy Ansah (Lions, DE) – Ansah and the Lions played in a snow storm against the Eagles Sunday. It certainly slowed the Lions’ defense. Although, it’s hard to hold that against the team or any individual.

Ansah’s streak of two-sack performances came to an end. He wasn’t able to get to Philadelphia Eagles QB Nick Foles. Part of the reason for Ansah’s inability to rush the quarterback was due to the Eagles’ ability to run the football. LeSean McCoy ran for a team-record 217 yards.

Adding injury to insult, Ansah suffered a shoulder injury the extent of which has yet to be revealed.Previous: No. 7

Schwartz said #Lions DE Ziggy Ansah's shoulder doesn't look long term, but "we'll have to see."

10. Mike Glennon (Buccaneers, QB) – The Tampa Bay Buccaneers defeated the Buffalo Bills 27-6. Despite the victory, it was rough outing for Tampa’s quarterback. Glennon wasn’t the same efficient quarterback seen earlier in the season. He finished 9-of-25 passing with two interceptions. He did add a pair of touchdown passes, but the Buccaneers won the game through the strength of their running game and defense.

After the poor performance, Buccaneers head coach Greg Schiano decided Glennon needed a break to clear his head in hope of returning to form.Previous: No. 9

Schiano: …"He’s been grinding really, really hard…. I just want him to take a breath.''